SCRIPTURE
Romans 13:1-7
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
COMMENT
This Scripture poses a dilemma for me. On the one hand, it puts God in control as the one who institutes governments and authorities. On the other hand, there are times when those same governments or authorities command that I do things that are in opposition to what I believe a Christian should do. The only way that I seem to be able to understand this is to consider that we should be subject as long as those authorities do not violate what I believe to be God's standards. Am I wrong in this?
I look at Paul's life, and what he endured. Sometimes he suffered for his actions. Were not some of those actions in opposition to the authorities? Yet when he did oppose authority, it seems that he was willing to pay the consequence for that opposition. Even when in prison, he sang and praised his God.
I also think about those who would not bow down to idols or worship of someone other than God. They too, were in opposition to the authorities, but in a way that accepted the consequences in a way befitting a follower of God. Even David in opposition of Saul did not violate by killing Saul when he had opportunity.
This is a tough one, and may get tougher as our country is in such turmoil at the current time.
Showing posts with label Tough Questions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tough Questions. Show all posts
Friday, July 17, 2020
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
What Do I Lack? (Matthew 19:16-22)
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 19:16-22
And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
LANGUAGE
Vs 16 good deed - ἀγαθός agathos; a primary word; “good” (in any sense, often as noun): — benefit, good(-s, things), well. Good, good thing, that which is good, the thing which is good, well, benefit, of good constitution or nature; useful, salutary; good, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy; excellent, distinguished; upright, honourable
COMMENT
First, a comment about something I read in a commentary once. What if this unidentified young man in the story was someday to become the apostle Paul? It does make for an interesting thought while trying to understand this story.
So many interesting details are embedded in this story, but I want to focus on what I see as the main idea. I see the main idea as Jesus teaching true repentance. I see that idea in a lot of what Jesus teaches, starting with the Sermon on the Mount. What we seem to have here is a young man who is "perfect" in his observance of the law, and yet perhaps sees that that still might not be enough to secure his place in heaven for eternity. He is correct, but Jesus, knowing his understanding of religion, needs to guide him to a different way of thinking. The question the man asks is, "What good thing must I do to have eternal life?" I presume his thinking is that their is some tangible act that he can perform that will tip the scales of balance assuredly in his favor. Wouldn't we all want that? But rather than give him a direct answer, Jesus focuses on the phrase, "good deed." Another way to think about this, and perhaps with better understanding of what the man was truly asking is, "What distinguished act can I perform that will set me apart in the eyes of God (and therefore others as well) that will assure my salvation?" Jesus needs to address this idea of "good." Since even our righteous acts are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), Jesus makes it clear that only God is good in this sense. Then He goes on to say, "If you would enter life, keep the commandments."
What? Jesus advice here is to follow the law, to do the very thing this young man already believes? Understand, that Jesus is still trying to convince this man that this path is still a vain one. The man responds, asking Jesus, "Which ones?" Seems as though the young man understands the difficulty, if not the impossibility of keeping them all, so in effect he seems to be saying, "Which ones do I really have to keep, because no one could keep them all." So Jesus plays along, and gives him so to follow. Great, the man must be thinking, I am good here and have kept all these. But surely there is still something missing, so he asks his final question, "What do I still lack?" The answer Jesus gives is mind-blowing, not just for this man, but for about everyone who has heard it since. "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." What? Everything? That's too much, I can't... and he walks away in sorrow, because he had a lot of possessions.
Where was Jesus leading this man? I believe that He was leading him to an understanding that the law was not enough. That no matter what this man did, he would not appear perfect before God. But since this is also recorded in Scripture, what is He saying to us? Must I sell the house and car, take out the retirement plans and distribute them to the poor? I have heard some say, "Well, you just have to be willing to do that." Really? And I suppose I just have to be willing to pick up my cross and carry it? I think that line of reasoning just seeks to do the very thing the young man in the story is trying to do, justify our behavior, justify a lack of true perfection and obedience.
The truth of the matter is that no one can meet this level of perfection. I believe this is the truth that Jesus is trying to convey here. Notice Jesus does not just say give it all away, He also says "come, follow me." That is where the needs get met. That is where perfection is given. That is what I believe is the true main idea of this story, repentance. Not just the turning away from sin, but the turning to Jesus. You can't give away everything and live. For is you follow that logic to the extreme, you could not ever eat or even drink again. For if someone gave you some food or drink, you would be obligated to give that to someone else before meeting your own needs. But in repentance, we turn from what we have and depend on Jesus to provide. Maybe then we sell that house, or at least downsize so that others may be taken care of too. Or we trade for a cheaper car, or eat Ramen noodles instead of caviar and lobster. We take on a mind that is transformed, and it is no longer about us, it is about Jesus. In other words, we repent.
Matthew 19:16-22
And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
LANGUAGE
Vs 16 good deed - ἀγαθός agathos; a primary word; “good” (in any sense, often as noun): — benefit, good(-s, things), well. Good, good thing, that which is good, the thing which is good, well, benefit, of good constitution or nature; useful, salutary; good, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy; excellent, distinguished; upright, honourable
COMMENT
First, a comment about something I read in a commentary once. What if this unidentified young man in the story was someday to become the apostle Paul? It does make for an interesting thought while trying to understand this story.
So many interesting details are embedded in this story, but I want to focus on what I see as the main idea. I see the main idea as Jesus teaching true repentance. I see that idea in a lot of what Jesus teaches, starting with the Sermon on the Mount. What we seem to have here is a young man who is "perfect" in his observance of the law, and yet perhaps sees that that still might not be enough to secure his place in heaven for eternity. He is correct, but Jesus, knowing his understanding of religion, needs to guide him to a different way of thinking. The question the man asks is, "What good thing must I do to have eternal life?" I presume his thinking is that their is some tangible act that he can perform that will tip the scales of balance assuredly in his favor. Wouldn't we all want that? But rather than give him a direct answer, Jesus focuses on the phrase, "good deed." Another way to think about this, and perhaps with better understanding of what the man was truly asking is, "What distinguished act can I perform that will set me apart in the eyes of God (and therefore others as well) that will assure my salvation?" Jesus needs to address this idea of "good." Since even our righteous acts are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), Jesus makes it clear that only God is good in this sense. Then He goes on to say, "If you would enter life, keep the commandments."
What? Jesus advice here is to follow the law, to do the very thing this young man already believes? Understand, that Jesus is still trying to convince this man that this path is still a vain one. The man responds, asking Jesus, "Which ones?" Seems as though the young man understands the difficulty, if not the impossibility of keeping them all, so in effect he seems to be saying, "Which ones do I really have to keep, because no one could keep them all." So Jesus plays along, and gives him so to follow. Great, the man must be thinking, I am good here and have kept all these. But surely there is still something missing, so he asks his final question, "What do I still lack?" The answer Jesus gives is mind-blowing, not just for this man, but for about everyone who has heard it since. "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." What? Everything? That's too much, I can't... and he walks away in sorrow, because he had a lot of possessions.
Where was Jesus leading this man? I believe that He was leading him to an understanding that the law was not enough. That no matter what this man did, he would not appear perfect before God. But since this is also recorded in Scripture, what is He saying to us? Must I sell the house and car, take out the retirement plans and distribute them to the poor? I have heard some say, "Well, you just have to be willing to do that." Really? And I suppose I just have to be willing to pick up my cross and carry it? I think that line of reasoning just seeks to do the very thing the young man in the story is trying to do, justify our behavior, justify a lack of true perfection and obedience.
The truth of the matter is that no one can meet this level of perfection. I believe this is the truth that Jesus is trying to convey here. Notice Jesus does not just say give it all away, He also says "come, follow me." That is where the needs get met. That is where perfection is given. That is what I believe is the true main idea of this story, repentance. Not just the turning away from sin, but the turning to Jesus. You can't give away everything and live. For is you follow that logic to the extreme, you could not ever eat or even drink again. For if someone gave you some food or drink, you would be obligated to give that to someone else before meeting your own needs. But in repentance, we turn from what we have and depend on Jesus to provide. Maybe then we sell that house, or at least downsize so that others may be taken care of too. Or we trade for a cheaper car, or eat Ramen noodles instead of caviar and lobster. We take on a mind that is transformed, and it is no longer about us, it is about Jesus. In other words, we repent.
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Can I Do That? (Matthew 12:9-14)
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 12:9-14
He went on from there and entered their synagogue. And a man was there with a withered hand. And they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might accuse him. He said to them, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other. But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.
LANGUAGE
Vs 14 destroy - ἀπόλλυμι apollymi; to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively: — destroy, die, lose, mar, perish.
BACKGROUND
Jesus had just been through the grainfields with His disciples on the Sabbath. While going through the fields, the disciples plucked the heads of grain and ate. The Pharisees saw this, and said to Jesus that His disciples were breaking the law, harvesting on the Sabbath. Jesus referred to the Scripture where when David and those with him were hungry, they entered the house of God and ate the bread of Presence, which was only lawful for priests to eat. Also, he referred them to how on the Sabbath the priests profane the temple, yet are guiltless. Then He goes on to say that something greater than the temple is here, He desires mercy over sacrifice, and He is lord of the Sabbath.
COMMENT
It is still the Sabbath, and Jesus enters the synagogue. There is a man with a hand that is obviously deformed. The Pharisees, knowing of Jesus's ability to heal, ask Him if it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath.
Some questions: Had Jesus not healed anyone on the Sabbath before? I do not know. If Jesus had not healed on the Sabbath before, was He waiting for this opportunity? I do not know. Were the Pharisees asking this only to trap Jesus? I do not know, but my first thought is to say yes.
Mercy: Doing what is right because you are trying to honor God. Sacrifice: Doing what is required by the law. Have you ever been in a situation where you thought it was okay to break the law? Maybe your wife is about to give birth, and you are taking her to the hospital, speeding, running lights and stops signs? What if you saw a child drowning in a lake, but it was posted with several "No Trespassing" signs? Under what circumstance is it okay to break the law?
I find this interesting, because in the previous test, the disciples were hungry, but I doubt they were starving. In this text, the man obviously has a physical impairment that is greatly affecting his quality of life. Is it okay for Jesus to heal this man in the moment? Could he wait until tomorrow, or even perhaps the few hours until the Sabbath has passed?
Another analogy from Jesus, "You have a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath. Will you not take hold of it and lift it out?" But by doing so, the law has been broken. So Jesus continues, "How much more valuable is a man than a sheep? So, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." Then he heals the man.
The Pharisees reaction is just insane. They wanted to destroy him. I personally believe their hatred of Jesus combined with the idea of losing their own power was blinding them. Strong emotions can do that to you. They wanted him gone, even if that meant dead. All for healing a man on the Sabbath.
I see this in churches today. We build walls of laws to follow. Don't drink, smoke, cuss, watch "R" rated movies, etc., and then we judge those who do. Hate allows some to bomb abortion clinics and justify it. Don't question the pastor! All the while, love and care for the hurting has been put on the back burner. Churches spend millions to have showcase buildings with built in coffee houses, gyms, and more while people nearby live in poverty. Where is mercy?
Matthew 12:9-14
He went on from there and entered their synagogue. And a man was there with a withered hand. And they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might accuse him. He said to them, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other. But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.
LANGUAGE
Vs 14 destroy - ἀπόλλυμι apollymi; to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively: — destroy, die, lose, mar, perish.
BACKGROUND
Jesus had just been through the grainfields with His disciples on the Sabbath. While going through the fields, the disciples plucked the heads of grain and ate. The Pharisees saw this, and said to Jesus that His disciples were breaking the law, harvesting on the Sabbath. Jesus referred to the Scripture where when David and those with him were hungry, they entered the house of God and ate the bread of Presence, which was only lawful for priests to eat. Also, he referred them to how on the Sabbath the priests profane the temple, yet are guiltless. Then He goes on to say that something greater than the temple is here, He desires mercy over sacrifice, and He is lord of the Sabbath.
COMMENT
It is still the Sabbath, and Jesus enters the synagogue. There is a man with a hand that is obviously deformed. The Pharisees, knowing of Jesus's ability to heal, ask Him if it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath.
Some questions: Had Jesus not healed anyone on the Sabbath before? I do not know. If Jesus had not healed on the Sabbath before, was He waiting for this opportunity? I do not know. Were the Pharisees asking this only to trap Jesus? I do not know, but my first thought is to say yes.
Mercy: Doing what is right because you are trying to honor God. Sacrifice: Doing what is required by the law. Have you ever been in a situation where you thought it was okay to break the law? Maybe your wife is about to give birth, and you are taking her to the hospital, speeding, running lights and stops signs? What if you saw a child drowning in a lake, but it was posted with several "No Trespassing" signs? Under what circumstance is it okay to break the law?
I find this interesting, because in the previous test, the disciples were hungry, but I doubt they were starving. In this text, the man obviously has a physical impairment that is greatly affecting his quality of life. Is it okay for Jesus to heal this man in the moment? Could he wait until tomorrow, or even perhaps the few hours until the Sabbath has passed?
Another analogy from Jesus, "You have a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath. Will you not take hold of it and lift it out?" But by doing so, the law has been broken. So Jesus continues, "How much more valuable is a man than a sheep? So, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." Then he heals the man.
The Pharisees reaction is just insane. They wanted to destroy him. I personally believe their hatred of Jesus combined with the idea of losing their own power was blinding them. Strong emotions can do that to you. They wanted him gone, even if that meant dead. All for healing a man on the Sabbath.
I see this in churches today. We build walls of laws to follow. Don't drink, smoke, cuss, watch "R" rated movies, etc., and then we judge those who do. Hate allows some to bomb abortion clinics and justify it. Don't question the pastor! All the while, love and care for the hurting has been put on the back burner. Churches spend millions to have showcase buildings with built in coffee houses, gyms, and more while people nearby live in poverty. Where is mercy?
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
More Questions Than Answers? Matthew 11:25-30
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 11:25-30 (ESV)
At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
LANGUAGE
Vs 25 hidden - conceal, keep secret
Vs 25 revealed - take off the cover (same again in Vs 27, "reveal")
Vs 26 gracious - satisfaction, delight, kindness
Vs 27 chooses - be willing, intend
Vs 28 labor - feel fatigue, to work hard
Vs 28 heavy laden - to overburden (with ceremony)
Vs 29 yoke - a coupling, the beam of balance (such as used when hitching two oxen together)
Vs 29 mild - humble
Vs 29 lowly - depressed, humiliated, cast down
Vs
COMMENT
This section brings up lots of questions, and challenges what I and many want to believe. I want to believe that the decision to follow God is my decision. I want to believe that I can understand and know the truth. But this section begins with the statement that these things are hidden from those who think they know, and even that this was a kindness from God. A kindness for who?
So back I go to the beatitudes. A kindness for the humble, the meek, the ones who hunger and thirst for righteousness. The children of God. So another question comes up, who are the little children? What qualifies one to be a child of God? The Pharisees and Sadducees were dedicated, giving their lives to the understanding of God. They memorized long passages of Scripture, they studied the law and knew every part of it. Yet for all of His ministry, these are portrayed as the very ones in opposition to Jesus. Did their wisdom and understanding bling them to the truth, or did God "hide" it from them? If so, how can they be accountable? Was God responding to their pride? I do not have the answers.
Jesus goes on to say, "no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. (Vs 27) So what does it mean that Jesus has to choose who God will be revealed to? Might this relate to the idea in Matthew 7, where Jesus tells some to depart from Him, because they never knew Him? Again, tough questions where I do not have the answers.
Then, in verse 28, He tells some to come to Him. Is this an invitation for everyone? According to the verse, it is an invitation for those who labor and are heavy laden. Is He perhaps speaking to those who, under the leadership of the Pharisees and scribes, have been put under a burden that no one could carry? Similar to today, those who by well-meaning but misguided preachers, are told more about how to be a good Christian than why? Who preach living to such a high standard of holiness, but seldom mention the reason we should strive for holiness? Who preach actions but not the beauty of the Savior who should be the basis for those actions?
Verse 29 tells us to take His yoke, to learn from Him. Not the yoke of the Pharisees, scribes, or even today's legalistic preachers. His yoke. For he is humble and lowly in heart, and therein lies rest. (Again, this reminds me of what He taught in the beatitudes.) For His yoke is better. I much prefer the use of the word better than easy. I do not think Jesus ever taught that being a disciple would be easy. Better, yes. Better in many ways. Better in helping us to deal with the challenges of life, better for our eternal souls, better in offering peace and true joy, even in the midst of suffering. And his burden is light. Not a list of 1,000,000 do's and don'ts. Just a couple of things to remember: Love God and your neighbor. That I can do. Not perfectly, but offering me perfection is why Jesus came in the first place, that part of the burden is on His side of the yoke.
Matthew 11:25-30 (ESV)
At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
LANGUAGE
Vs 25 hidden - conceal, keep secret
Vs 25 revealed - take off the cover (same again in Vs 27, "reveal")
Vs 26 gracious - satisfaction, delight, kindness
Vs 27 chooses - be willing, intend
Vs 28 labor - feel fatigue, to work hard
Vs 28 heavy laden - to overburden (with ceremony)
Vs 29 yoke - a coupling, the beam of balance (such as used when hitching two oxen together)
Vs 29 mild - humble
Vs 29 lowly - depressed, humiliated, cast down
Vs
COMMENT
This section brings up lots of questions, and challenges what I and many want to believe. I want to believe that the decision to follow God is my decision. I want to believe that I can understand and know the truth. But this section begins with the statement that these things are hidden from those who think they know, and even that this was a kindness from God. A kindness for who?
So back I go to the beatitudes. A kindness for the humble, the meek, the ones who hunger and thirst for righteousness. The children of God. So another question comes up, who are the little children? What qualifies one to be a child of God? The Pharisees and Sadducees were dedicated, giving their lives to the understanding of God. They memorized long passages of Scripture, they studied the law and knew every part of it. Yet for all of His ministry, these are portrayed as the very ones in opposition to Jesus. Did their wisdom and understanding bling them to the truth, or did God "hide" it from them? If so, how can they be accountable? Was God responding to their pride? I do not have the answers.
Jesus goes on to say, "no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. (Vs 27) So what does it mean that Jesus has to choose who God will be revealed to? Might this relate to the idea in Matthew 7, where Jesus tells some to depart from Him, because they never knew Him? Again, tough questions where I do not have the answers.
Then, in verse 28, He tells some to come to Him. Is this an invitation for everyone? According to the verse, it is an invitation for those who labor and are heavy laden. Is He perhaps speaking to those who, under the leadership of the Pharisees and scribes, have been put under a burden that no one could carry? Similar to today, those who by well-meaning but misguided preachers, are told more about how to be a good Christian than why? Who preach living to such a high standard of holiness, but seldom mention the reason we should strive for holiness? Who preach actions but not the beauty of the Savior who should be the basis for those actions?
Verse 29 tells us to take His yoke, to learn from Him. Not the yoke of the Pharisees, scribes, or even today's legalistic preachers. His yoke. For he is humble and lowly in heart, and therein lies rest. (Again, this reminds me of what He taught in the beatitudes.) For His yoke is better. I much prefer the use of the word better than easy. I do not think Jesus ever taught that being a disciple would be easy. Better, yes. Better in many ways. Better in helping us to deal with the challenges of life, better for our eternal souls, better in offering peace and true joy, even in the midst of suffering. And his burden is light. Not a list of 1,000,000 do's and don'ts. Just a couple of things to remember: Love God and your neighbor. That I can do. Not perfectly, but offering me perfection is why Jesus came in the first place, that part of the burden is on His side of the yoke.
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Thoughts on Aaron Rodgers interview with Danica Patrick
- Aaron was intrigued by Matt Hawk because he was a Christian, yet he swears and he loves and coaches sports. Makes me wonder what kind of Christians he had interaction with prior to meeting this guy. While cursing is not something I prefer to hear Christians (or anyone else for that matter) do, it is an imperfection that many Christians possess. As far as loving and coaching sports, if he thought that was out of bounds for Christians, no wonder he has struggled with faith as it was portrayed to him.
- I love how he sees his mission trips as "really meaningful." But again, in light of how he perceived Christianity, I would love to know 2 things: ONE-What was your reason for going on these trips? TWO: How has this experience impacted your spirituality today?
- I understand your not having connection with certain Christian groups, especially if your view of Christianity growing up was skewed. It is hard to separate what we learned about Christianity growing up and what Jesus really taught about how his followers should live. I appreciate your efforts to search out what it really means to be a spiritual being.
- I question your statement that "rules and regulations and binary systems don't really resonate with me." Sounds like your upbringing was at least somewhat legalistic, if not very strongly legalistic. I question if you really had a balanced view of Christianity. I also though, think it is dangerous to reject God because those things do not resonate with you. I can't get out of a ticket by telling an officer, "That speed limit really does not resonate with me."
- If you look at Jesus, and you look at the church you went to on Sunday mornings, the two don't match up. Jesus did not reject the outcast, in fact, he rejected those who looked down on the outcast. Sounds like your Monday evenings were more in line with that than your church experience.
- I agree with your distaste for a binary system like the one you described. But the picture of the the Christian in the Bible is not like what you experienced. You describe those who take pride in their position with God. The Bible speaks of approaching God with humility, with fear and trembling. We love God and we love others because of God's grace and love for us. We don't look down on anyone because of their sin. Anyone.
- Again, approaching God in humility goes along with your statement, "I don't know how you can believe in a god who wants to condemn most of the planet." In your view, it seems that God has created us just to destroy us. But perhaps rather than wonder why God does not save all, humility says "Why would He save any?" Look what we have done, how we have rejected Him and His righteousness. The fact that He would send Jesus to die for even one who would accept Him then takes on an amazing facet of grace.
- You mention only 144,000 being saved. Is that what your church taught?
Aaron, I can resonate with some of your feelings. I have had a variety of church experiences, many of which have not been pleasant or representative of Jesus. But I pray that as you continue to dig into what truth is, you will be led to see that perhaps your current views about God and religion are not in line with what is taught by Jesus, his disciples, and the Bible.
Monday, September 23, 2019
This one could raise some eyebrows
I am currently reading the book, Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges.
It is quite possible that though He is grieved by our sin (see Ephesians 4:30), He may even use that sin to humble us and to exercise us to cry out to Him with a sense of greater dependency.
Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins (p. 38). NavPress. Kindle Edition.
Note: The path I am taking today may not be what the author had in mind with this quote.
What role does God play in sin (I will use the word evil, which may or may not have the same thought)? Before you jump on high horse, let's think about some things...
Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins (p. 38). NavPress. Kindle Edition.
Note: The path I am taking today may not be what the author had in mind with this quote.
What role does God play in sin (I will use the word evil, which may or may not have the same thought)? Before you jump on high horse, let's think about some things...
- If God is the creator of all things, did he create evil (sin), or does it just exist as the opposite of good?
- Can we even have or define good without the existence of evil?
- What control does God exhibit in the amount of evil in creation?
- What is the difference between God causing something evil to happen and God allowing something evil to happen?
- Why would God use sin to bring us closer to him?
Now I will share some thoughts, feel free to disagree.
- If God is the creator of all things, did he create evil (sin), or does it just exist as the opposite of good?
- This is one I could go either way on. Good and evil are words that we use because we need to define things in a specific and understandable way. But who is to say that the true definitions of good and evil are not way beyond our ability to comprehend.
- Speaking linguistically, aren't good and evil verbs? Verbs we use to label an action. "That was an evil deed." So the deed was labeled evil, most likely because of the context, but the deed itself in not created evil. We label cancer as an evil deed, but is the creation of cancerous cells evil without the context?
- Evil can be a noun when we speak of it as a thing. "There is too much evil in the world." But in this case, that determination becomes subjective, because often by evil we mean things that we don't like. To some, abortion is a terrible evil, to others it is not an evil at all, just a choice. So once again, the evil is defined by the item or items it is associated with.
- When looking at this in regard to sin, the same argument holds. The action itself may or not be sin depending on the context. Killing is a sin if you kill your neighbor to rob him. But killing in a war would not be considered sin by many.
- Can we even have or define good without the existence of evil?
- Define cold. It is the absence of heat. If you do not understand heat, can you really understand cold? I think of good and evil the same way. Without evil, can we understand goodness? Can we appreciate light without darkness? To what extent must we experience darkness to understand light? How do you quantify darkness without light?
- What control does God exhibit in the amount of evil in creation?
- If God is sovereign, then He is in control of everything. But does He allow some things to happen without His say so? Again, tough question. We do see God in the Bible telling David that his son would die because of his sin. Some would call that evil. But God cannot do evil, so either our understanding of evil is off, or our understand of God is. I say the former.
- What is the difference between God causing something evil to happen and God allowing something evil to happen?
- Again, we first have to define evil. Were the 12 plagues evil? God caused them. But He did so to bring about a purpose. Cancer, injury, death, poverty, what exactly is God's role and does this alter my responsibility? More questions, no answers.
- Why would God use sin to bring us closer to him?
- Because God is in control of all things. Maybe, just like standing outside of time, God stands outside of good and evil as the one in control, causing things to happen according to His will. When God puts something into action, it is His purpose that defines the goodness or evilness of that action. Like when a parent disciplines a child. Yelling at a child with no context would be considered evil, but yelling at a child who was about to tough a hot stove should not be thought of the same way. We cannot often, if ever, see the big picture of what God might be doing.
Okay, random thoughts today, but something I think many struggle with at times. My brother once said he could not worship a god who allows children to starve. I once heard a preacher say that God does not kill children, and he could not worship a god who did. I think we need to be careful of the way that we view God!
Friday, August 16, 2019
Shhh...that might offend someone.
I am currently reading the book, Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges.
In chapter 2, he sets the premise that sin is not something that is discussed anymore by the average church goer, and perhaps something that is not even a issue for them.
But why? He gives this premise in the book, "It may have been softened in many of our churches so as not to make the audiences uncomfortable." (Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins (p. 12). NavPress. Kindle Edition.) I couldn't agree more. As one who has sat in on numerous committee meetings, the common theme is, "What can we do to make our church more attractive to others?" Bigger buildings, gyms, coffee bars, that what we need. What can we get rid of? Fire and brimstone, boring hymns, and lets stop mentioning sin. But there is an axiom I have often heard, "You win people to what you win them with." I doubt many Christians today could even articulate what the gospel truly is.
Of course, I think that some of the judgmental finger-pointing of some churches and Christians contributes to this idea. Picketing or even bombing abortion clinics is just one example that comes to mind. We want to show that we are accepting, although at times even that has it limits. Again, I believe that we tend to be more tolerant of this sins we might be guilty of, or the "Respectable Sins," than of those that would offend us.
The author states that this is a dark picture. I agree. Jesus said, "Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" Luke (18:8b). My fear is that there are many in the church who are there for the wrong reasons, because they have been won through the wrong methods. If we don't believe in our own sinfulness, do we really have the faith that saves us?
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ (Matthew 7:21-23)
But why? He gives this premise in the book, "It may have been softened in many of our churches so as not to make the audiences uncomfortable." (Bridges, Jerry. Respectable Sins (p. 12). NavPress. Kindle Edition.) I couldn't agree more. As one who has sat in on numerous committee meetings, the common theme is, "What can we do to make our church more attractive to others?" Bigger buildings, gyms, coffee bars, that what we need. What can we get rid of? Fire and brimstone, boring hymns, and lets stop mentioning sin. But there is an axiom I have often heard, "You win people to what you win them with." I doubt many Christians today could even articulate what the gospel truly is.
Of course, I think that some of the judgmental finger-pointing of some churches and Christians contributes to this idea. Picketing or even bombing abortion clinics is just one example that comes to mind. We want to show that we are accepting, although at times even that has it limits. Again, I believe that we tend to be more tolerant of this sins we might be guilty of, or the "Respectable Sins," than of those that would offend us.
The author states that this is a dark picture. I agree. Jesus said, "Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" Luke (18:8b). My fear is that there are many in the church who are there for the wrong reasons, because they have been won through the wrong methods. If we don't believe in our own sinfulness, do we really have the faith that saves us?
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ (Matthew 7:21-23)
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
This is why we fail at life change
If a church declares that the gospel is the most important message the world has ever known , and yet the gospel is not seen as the impetus and motivation for all the church offers, this disconnect is indicative of an unhealthy church personality or culture.
Chandler, Matt; Geiger, Eric; Patterson, Josh (2013-11-26). Creature of the Word: The Jesus-Centered Church (Kindle Locations 1460-1462). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
I find this to be the most powerful and convicting quote I have read this far.
Why does the church exist, if not to spread the gospel? Is there anything that would be a greater priority? But we do things without considering the full implication of the gospel message. We create programs and events to draw people in, thinking perhaps that we are in fact spreading the gospel, when the reality is that the gospel is no where to be found. At least not the dying to yourself and surrendering all to Jesus gospel. And why not? Because we are not making Jesus beautiful, but rather are attracting people to ourselves, our denomination, or our club. No wonder, when persecution comes, people abandon "their faith," because their faith was not in Jesus or His Father, but in the comfort, convenience, or attraction to a building, program, or group. The gospel was never a part of it.
Offerings are down, we need to grow the church. We need a new gym, time to call people to give sacrificially. There is room for more people in the seats, lets challenge folks to invite their co-workers, friends, and family to church. Ch_ _ ch, what is missing? U R.
C h _ _ c h . What is missing? The gospel. The beauty of a Savior who came to rescue me, at the cost of His own life when I did not deserve it. That is what is missing.
Chandler, Matt; Geiger, Eric; Patterson, Josh (2013-11-26). Creature of the Word: The Jesus-Centered Church (Kindle Locations 1460-1462). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
I find this to be the most powerful and convicting quote I have read this far.Why does the church exist, if not to spread the gospel? Is there anything that would be a greater priority? But we do things without considering the full implication of the gospel message. We create programs and events to draw people in, thinking perhaps that we are in fact spreading the gospel, when the reality is that the gospel is no where to be found. At least not the dying to yourself and surrendering all to Jesus gospel. And why not? Because we are not making Jesus beautiful, but rather are attracting people to ourselves, our denomination, or our club. No wonder, when persecution comes, people abandon "their faith," because their faith was not in Jesus or His Father, but in the comfort, convenience, or attraction to a building, program, or group. The gospel was never a part of it.
Offerings are down, we need to grow the church. We need a new gym, time to call people to give sacrificially. There is room for more people in the seats, lets challenge folks to invite their co-workers, friends, and family to church. Ch_ _ ch, what is missing? U R.
C h _ _ c h . What is missing? The gospel. The beauty of a Savior who came to rescue me, at the cost of His own life when I did not deserve it. That is what is missing.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Which is it?
Our Sunday School leader made a curious statement the other day. He was teaching on the chapter of "God's Astounding Opinion of You" (by Ralph Harris) that deals with the issue of God being our friend. I believe it is chapter 10, if not, it is close. He stated that he did not feel that this chapter was very theological, but none-the-less, it was a good chapter.
To quote Inigo Montoya (of the Princess Bride), "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." The word "theology" can easily be broken into two parts, "theo" (God) and "ology" (the study of). And what topic could be more theological that God's character and what it is He thinks of us? This should shape the very depths of how we view Him!
So during this lesson, we spent some time in Matthew 15, verses 12-15. Some commented on verse 16, where it says "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide."
So here is my theological question, one that has many implications and I believe must be wrestled with. What does it mean that God chooses (elects, determines, predestines, or whatever label you want to give it) and how does He choose?
Does He choose like the NFL draft, based on some attributes that we possess? Or is it more like sticking His hand into a bowl of M&M's and randomly getting a handful of different colors? I have my thoughts on this, which I hope to share, but for now it is off to work!
To quote Inigo Montoya (of the Princess Bride), "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." The word "theology" can easily be broken into two parts, "theo" (God) and "ology" (the study of). And what topic could be more theological that God's character and what it is He thinks of us? This should shape the very depths of how we view Him!
So during this lesson, we spent some time in Matthew 15, verses 12-15. Some commented on verse 16, where it says "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide."
So here is my theological question, one that has many implications and I believe must be wrestled with. What does it mean that God chooses (elects, determines, predestines, or whatever label you want to give it) and how does He choose?
Does He choose like the NFL draft, based on some attributes that we possess? Or is it more like sticking His hand into a bowl of M&M's and randomly getting a handful of different colors? I have my thoughts on this, which I hope to share, but for now it is off to work!
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Tough Questions
Galatians 4:17-20
They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.
They make much of you. That is, they make you feel good, warm, welcome, secure. But their motives are not true, they are not based on the gospel. In fact, they want to shut you out of the kingdom, so that you will make much of them. If you were in the kingdom, you would see through their charade.
It is good to be made much of for a good purpose, that is it is good to be noticed for doing good if that notice brings glory to God. But I am puzzled, because I think you have strayed from your worship of God and are now worshiping yourself or others in place of God. What kind of idiot does that? Certainly not someone who has understood the message of the gospel! You people amaze me with your behavior.
Harsh words? Yes! But Paul is trying to save them from a terrible fate. If you saw someone about to run into traffic, you wouldn't whisper, "Are you sure about this?" Or say, "Perhaps this choice is not an appropriate one at the moment." NO, YOU WOULD YELL AT THEM TO STOP, unafraid if their feelings were going to be hurt.
So when is it okay to risk hurting someone's feelings? How did Jesus respond to those who distorted the truth? Tough questions, but ones that deserve consideration.
Monday, December 17, 2012
I don't know when I first ran across this video, but it has only been a few years back. I heard it on a Bebo Norman CD, and later found out it was written by Jackson Browne.
I used to listen to Jackson long ago, back when he wrote things like "Doctor My Eyes." I imagine that this was written around that time and just never got a lot of play. At least that is what I like to think.
I don't think Jackson views himself as a Christian, at least not in the traditional sense. I think he is rather turned off by Christians actually. After listening to this song, I can see why.
What do I need to change about how I treat Christmas this year?
I used to listen to Jackson long ago, back when he wrote things like "Doctor My Eyes." I imagine that this was written around that time and just never got a lot of play. At least that is what I like to think.
I don't think Jackson views himself as a Christian, at least not in the traditional sense. I think he is rather turned off by Christians actually. After listening to this song, I can see why.
What do I need to change about how I treat Christmas this year?
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